The Key Documents and Forms You Need to Sell a Home

The paperwork for a home sale will be different depending on the province in which you live and what type of home you're selling. But even if a certain form isn't necessarily required, it helps to have as much information available as possible for the buyer's peace of mind. See the types of documents that will make a before they go through on the sale.

Property Information

Much of seller's paperwork in Canada is common sense in that the seller is providing relevant information to the homeowner about the property, whether it's a Spruce Avenue home or elsewhere. Electricity and gas statements from the past year will let a homeowner know how much they'll have to budget for their utility bills. If there are any lease agreements on the property or fixed costs, then buyers should have access to this paperwork too.

Or if they had a previous tenant on the property with an active lease, sellers may also need the original property assessment from when they first purchased the home. Buyers and sellers will also agree to what's included in the property and what isn't. This may be anything from the request for the appliances in the home to the removal of an old tool shed in the backyard.

Financial Information

This may include anything from the Land Title Certificate, which would state information on the liens of the home as well as any other registered interest in the property. Registered interest may refer to a neighbor contesting the physical ownership of the property, or a divorcing couple's dispute over the equity of the home. If the seller still has an active mortgage, they will typically need full documentation of the mortgage, including any penalties against the loan. Buyers will also want to know the municipal tax assessment, which can generally be obtained at your local municipal office.

The closing paperwork is typically what states the final details of the home, including the purchase price and information on the conditions of transfer. Sellers are encouraged to agree upon and finalize everything prior to having paperwork drawn up. A single discrepancy between original paperwork and closing documents can delay the home transfer until it's all worked out.

Helpful Facts

Buyers are looking for as much information about the home as possible, beyond what a surveyor can tell them. For example, in Ontario, a Certificate of Location is prepared by a surveyor and states the opinion of the surveyor about the state of the property. This isn't mandatory in Ontario, but it is highly recommended for sellers to take that extra step for the benefit of their buyers.

Condos will have additional paperwork attached to them, depending on where the condo is located. Finally, sellers can include any paperwork or proof (e.g., receipts, etc.) for major home improvements or renovations completed during the time of ownership. These documents should also include appliance warranties or user manuals for any new machinery installed in the home.

Missing or Destroyed Paperwork? Here’s What to Do

Depending on the province the home is being sold in and the type of structure involved, you’ve likely spent a good deal of time collecting paperwork for the sale. What happens when some gets lost or destroyed? Of course, it will have to be replaced, and it’s essential to start such processes right away. While some paperwork can be obtained quickly, others may require a bit more time and effort on your behalf.

If the land title certificate is missing, you will need to visit your local title registries office to start the process (it can take a while). If required, municipal tax assessments can be obtained fairly quickly at the local tax office with proof of ownership. Condominiums are likely to have other documentation required, which can typically be obtained by the governing board of the community such as the homeowner association. Other lost documents concerning the actual sale will be available on file with involved agents, escrow officers or legal assistants.

Speak to a Real Estate Agent To Learn More About Necessary Paperwork

Talking to a real estate agent is the best way for sellers to decide what documents they need on hand before a sale. A property in a high-demand area may only need the bare minimum to complete the sale, but most sales will require more information rather than less.